Rubberized material is a term used to describe any
flexible, stretchable polymer coated textile or material. The coating on
the material may be for various reasons including water resistance or
waterproofing, or to impart non slip, grip or friction capabilities to
the substrate fabric. Material can also be rubberized (have a
rubber core) and then laminated on the outside with fabric that
stretches and provides a structure to the finished product, like
Wetsuit material;
originally used for SCUBA diving suits to keep divers comfortable by
providing insulation and a warm layer of water between the wearer and
the outside water.

Natural rubber comes from the processed sap of the rubber tree which is
grown in tropical jungle climates although natural rubber has superior
flexibility and stretch characteristics allowing it to stretch many
times it's original length and return to it's original shape; however,
it has limitations when it comes to durability and weather resistance.
Heat treating or vulcanizing the rubber with sculpture compounds makes
natural rubber more durable and resistant to rotting, especially in hot
humid conditions.

Synthetic rubber or blended rubber is superior in this regard as it is
not affected by heat and humidity although it may contain small amounts
of natural rubber blended with petroleum products to create a product
that is more durable, longer lasting and resistant to chemicals, acids,
alkalis and solvents. The trade off for the increased durability is
often a sacrifice of flexibility and stretch ratio. Natural rubber can
be made to stretch much more than synthetic rubber; however, recent
advances in chemical formulations for synthetic rubber have vastly
increased the stretch-ability of synthetic rubber to the point where it
approaches that of natural rubber .

Specially formulated vinyl is sometimes used as the polymer coating on
rubberized materials. The difference between synthetic rubber and vinyl
that has been formulated with plasticizers and additives, is difficult
to discern just by feeling or handling the material and without lab
testing. So to many end users of the material there is little difference
between formulated vinyl and rubber.

People often refer to rubberized fabric as
rubberized canvas, but this is a misnomer; canvas in the correct use
of the word refers only to a heavy woven material made from
cotton.

Technically Elastic and
Shock Cord are two more
types of rubberized materials we offer for sale, specifically designed
to stretch and return to their original sizes or lengths.